Life Sentence in Panama City Road Rage Murder

Panama City, FL – Jubal Simmons, 24, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, February 20, 2026, for the February 22, 2025, road rage shooting that resulted in the death of Georgeann Garner and critical injuries to her daughter, Marileigh Lewis. The sentencing, announced by State Attorney Larry Basford, includes multiple life sentences and decades-long terms for related charges.

Details of the Sentencing

Jubal Simmons received a life sentence for Second Degree Murder and another life sentence for Attempted Second Degree Murder with a Weapon. He was sentenced to 30 years each on two counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder with a Weapon, 15 years each on two counts of Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, and 15 years for Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle. Circuit Court Judge Timothy Register ordered all sentences to be served consecutively.

Co-Defendant Sentencing

Ivybella Encino, 22, Simmons’ girlfriend and the driver of the vehicle from which the shots were fired, was sentenced to 15 years each on Accessory After the Fact and Fleeing and Attempting to Elude. These sentences will run concurrently, followed by 5 years of probation.

The Incident

The shooting occurred at the intersection of U.S. 231 and Harrison Avenue following an altercation between Encino and Garner. According to police reports and statements from the State Attorney’s office, Encino believed Garner had cut her off in traffic USA Today. The initial argument escalated into a brief physical confrontation between Encino and Garner’s daughter, Marileigh Lewis. After the light turned green, Encino drove alongside the Garner’s vehicle, at which point Simmons fired 11 rounds into the SUV, striking both Garner and Lewis.

Aftermath and Arrest

Following the shooting, Encino and Simmons fled the scene, leading police on a chase that ended when they rammed into a Panama City Police Department patrol car. Encino was taken into custody immediately, while Simmons fled on foot and was apprehended a short distance away.

Statements from Prosecutors and Victims

Prosecutor Frank Sullivan emphasized the severity of the crime and the importance of the sentencing. “We hope these guilty verdicts and sentences send a message not only that gun violence will not be tolerated, but that brazen acts of violence that place innocent people in harm’s way deserve the toughest sentences,” State Attorney’s Office.

The surviving victim, Marileigh Lewis, delivered a powerful statement at the sentencing, detailing the devastating impact of the shooting on her life and the loss of her mother. She spoke of suffering a stroke after the shooting and the lifetime of memories stolen from her family. “You did not just pull a trigger, you destroyed lives,” she stated. “You murdered my mother…Because of you, she is gone forever.”

Investigation and Prosecution

The case was investigated by the Panama City Police Department and prosecuted by Prosecutors Frank Sullivan and Laurie Hughes. State Attorney Basford thanked the police department for their work on the investigation and response to the shooting.